U.S. patent application number 13/106111 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for replaceable staple cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Healthcare Group LP. Invention is credited to Stanislaw Kostrzewski.
Application Number | 20120286021 13/106111 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46084894 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120286021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kostrzewski; Stanislaw |
November 15, 2012 |
REPLACEABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE
Abstract
A stapling device including a replaceable loading unit is
provided. The loading unit includes an elongated body and a
stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first
jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly. The second
jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably mounted
cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the stapling
assembly. Also provided is a tool for removing facilitating the
separation of a replaceable cartridge assembly from a loading
unit.
Inventors: |
Kostrzewski; Stanislaw;
(Newtown, CT) |
Assignee: |
Tyco Healthcare Group LP
|
Family ID: |
46084894 |
Appl. No.: |
13/106111 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
227/175.2 ;
206/339; 227/176.1; 29/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 50/30 20160201;
A61B 2017/07271 20130101; A61B 2017/00477 20130101; A61B 2090/0814
20160201; A61B 17/00234 20130101; A61B 17/07207 20130101; A61B
2017/2931 20130101; A61B 2017/00473 20130101; Y10T 29/53909
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
227/175.2 ;
227/176.1; 206/339; 29/270 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/068 20060101
A61B017/068; B25B 27/14 20060101 B25B027/14; B65D 85/24 20060101
B65D085/24 |
Claims
1. A loading unit comprising: an elongated body; and a stapling
assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw, the first jaw
including an anvil assembly, and the second jaw including a
releasably mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection
with the stapling assembly.
2. The loading unit of claim 1, wherein the cartridge assembly
includes a carrier having a proximal end configured for selective
engagement with the elongated body.
3. The loading unit of claim 2, wherein the proximal end of the
carrier defines a pair of cut-outs.
4. The loading unit of claim 3, wherein each of the pair of
cut-outs includes a recess and a pivot hole.
5. The loading unit of claim 4, wherein each recess is configured
to receive a spring.
6. The loading unit of claim 5, wherein each pivot hole is
configured to receive a pivot pin.
7. The loading unit of claim 6, wherein each spring includes a
flange for selectively retaining a pivot pin within each of the
pivot holes.
8. A surgical stapler comprsing: an actuation assembly; and a
stapling assembly operably connected to the actuation assembly, the
stapling assembly including a cartridge assembly removably mounted
to the stapling assembly by a detent connection.
9. The surgical stapler of claim 8, wherein the stapling assembly
is mounted on a distal end of a loading unit, the loading unit
being removably attached to the actuation assembly.
10. A replaceable cartridge assembly comprising: a staple
cartridge; and a carrier configured to receive the staple
cartridge, the carrier including a proximal end configured for
selective engagement with a stapling assembly, the carrier having a
resilient spring arranged to form a connection with a stapling
assembly.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the proximal end of the
carrier defines a pair of cut-outs.
12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the pair of cut-outs
includes a recess and a pivot hole.
13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein each recess is configured to
receive the spring.
14. The assembly of claim 12, wherein each pivot hole is configured
to receive a pivot pin.
15. The assembly of claim 13, wherein each spring includes a flange
for selectively retaining a pivot pin within each of the pivot
holes.
16. A tool for separating a replaceable cartridge assembly from a
loading unit, the tool comprising: a base portion; a handle portion
extending proximally from the base portion; and an engagement
portion extending distally from the arcuate portion.
17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the base portion defines an
opening configured to receive a proximal end of a cartridge
assembly.
18. The tool of claim 16, further comprising an arcuate portion
extending distally from the base portion.
19. The tool of claim 18, wherein the arcuate portion is configured
to engage an anvil assembly.
20. A surgical stapler, comprising: an actuation assembly having an
elongate shaft with a distal end and a flexible drive member
advanceable in a distal direction; a stapling assembly having a
cartridge assembly with a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly
with an anvil member; and an interlocking assembly disposed in the
cartridge assembly adjacent the flexible drive member and having at
least one interlocking member, the interlocking member having an
L-shaped surface and being biased toward the flexible drive member,
the L-shaped surface being engaged by the flexible drive member as
the flexible drive member is retracted in a proximal direction.
21. The surgical stapler of claim 20, wherein the at least one
interlocking member is configured to prevent advance of the
flexible drive member once the flexible drive member is retracted
proximally out of engagement with the at least one interlocking
member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to surgical staplers. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a surgical stapler
including a replaceable staple cartridge assembly.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] Surgical devices for first grasping or clamping tissue
between opposing jaw structure and then stapling the tissue with
surgical fasteners are well known in the art. In some instruments a
knife is provided to cut the tissue which has been stapled by the
fasteners. Instruments for this purpose typically include two
elongated members, one of which carries a staple cartridge and the
other of which includes an anvil. The staple cartridge houses a
plurality of staples arranged in at least two lateral rows. The
anvil defines a surface for forming the staple legs as the staples
are driven from the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling
operation is effected by cam bars that travel longitudinally
through the staple cartridge. A knife may travel between the staple
rows to longitudinally cut and/or open the stapled tissue between
the rows of staples.
[0005] Often the stapling assembly of the surgical device is
located on a loading unit that is operably connected to a handle
assembly. While the handle assembly is configured for multiple
uses, the loading unit is configured for a single use. After the
single use, the loading unit is removed from the handle assembly
and properly disposed. The configuration of the loading units does
not permit reloading or replacing of the staple cartridge after the
loading unit has been fired.
[0006] Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a stapling device
that includes a loading unit with a replaceable staple
cartridge.
SUMMARY
[0007] Accordingly, a stapling device including a replaceable
loading unit is provided. The loading unit includes an elongated
body and a stapling assembly having a first jaw and a second jaw.
The first jaw of the stapling assembly includes an anvil assembly.
The second jaw of the stapling assembly includes a releasably
mounted cartridge assembly having a detent connection with the
stapling assembly. The cartridge assembly may include a carrier
having a proximal end configured for selective engagement with the
elongated body. The proximal end of the carrier may define a pair
of cut-outs. Each of the pair of cut-outs may include a recess and
a pivot hole. Each recess may be configured to receive a spring.
Each pivot hole may be configured to receive a pivot pin. Each
spring may include a flange for selectively retaining a pivot pin
within each of the pivot holes.
[0008] Also provided is a surgical stapler. The surgical stapler
includes an actuation assembly and a stapling assembly operably
connected to the actuation assembly. The stapling assembly includes
a cartridge assembly removably mounted to the stapling assembly by
a detent connection. The stapling assembly may be mounted on a
distal end of a loading unit and the loading unit may be removably
attached to the actuation assembly.
[0009] Also provided is a replaceable cartridge assembly. The
cartridge assembly includes a staple cartridge and a carrier
configured to receive the staple cartridge. The carrier includes a
proximal end configured for selective engagement with a stapling
assembly. The carrier may have a resilient spring arranged to form
a connection with a stapling assembly. The proximal end of the
carrier may define a pair of cut-outs. Each of the pair of cut-outs
may include a recess and a pivot hole. Each recess may be
configured to receive the spring. Each pivot hole may be configured
to receive a pivot pin. Each spring may include a flange for
selectively retaining a pivot pin within each of the pivot
holes.
[0010] Also provided is a tool for separating a replaceable
cartridge assembly from a loading unit. The separation tool
includes a base portion, a handle portion extending proximally from
the base portion, and an engagement portion extending distally from
the arcuate portion. The base portion may define an opening
configured to receive a proximal end of a cartridge assembly. The
tool may further include an arcuate portion extending distally from
the base portion. The arcuate portion may be configured to engage
an anvil assembly.
[0011] Additionally, a surgical stapler is provided. The stapler
includes an actuation assembly having an elongate shaft with a
distal end. The actuation assembly also includes a flexible drive
member that is advanceable in a distal direction. The stapler
further includes a stapling assembly having a cartridge assembly
with a staple cartridge and an anvil assembly with an anvil member.
The stapler also includes an interlocking assembly disposed in the
cartridge assembly adjacent the flexible drive member and having at
least one interlocking member. The interlocking member has an
L-shaped surface and is biased toward the flexible drive member.
The L-shaped surface is engaged by the flexible drive member as the
flexible drive member is retracted in a proximal direction. The at
least one interlocking member is configured to prevent advance of
the flexible drive member once the flexible drive member is
retracted proximally out of engagement with the at least one
interlocking member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments of a loading unit including a replaceable
cartridge assembly are disclosed herein with reference to the
drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical stapler including
a loading unit having a replaceable cartridge assembly according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective partially exploded view of the
loading unit of FIG. 1 and a removal tool according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the loading unit
of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the anvil portion of the anvil assembly shown
in phantom;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a enlarged sectional view of Section 4 of FIG.
2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view of a proximal end of the
cartridge assembly of FIGS. 1-4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial cut-away perspective view of
the mounting assembly of the loading unit of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a mounting section
of the loading unit of FIG. 1 with a replaceable staple cartridge
assembly disengaged from the loading unit;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting
section of FIG. 7 with the replaceable cartridge assembly partially
engaged with the loading unit;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the mounting
section of FIG. 7 with the reloadable staple cartridge assembly
fully engaged with the loading unit;
[0022] FIG. 10 is perspective view of the removal tool of FIG.
2;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view of the stapling and mounting
assemblies of the loading unit of FIG. 1 with the cartridge
assembly engaged by the removal tool of FIG. 10;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a top view of the stapling and mounting
assemblies of the loading unit and the removal tool of FIG. 11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the stapling and
mounting assemblies of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG.
12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of the stapling and
mounting assemblies of the loading unit of FIG. 12 taken along line
14-14 of FIG. 12;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional sectional view of Section 15 of
FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of the stapling and
mounting assemblies of the loading unit of FIG. 14 with the
cartridge assembly partially disengaged from the loading unit;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional sectional view of Section 17 of
FIG. 16;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side view of the loading unit and the removal
tool of FIG. 12 with the cartridge assembly completely disengaged
from the loading unit;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an enlarged exploded view of a drive member and
staple cartridge of the loading unit of FIG. 2 and a drive member
for actuating the staple assembly of FIG. 12;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of the staple cartridge
and knife assembly of the drive member of FIG. 19 with the knife
assembly partially engaged with the staple cartridge;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 20
with the knife assembly completely disengaged from the staple
cartridge;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 20
with the knife assembly partially engaged with the staple
cartridge;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 20
showing the knife assembly partially advanced through the staple
cartridge;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 20
showing the knife assembly partially retracted through the staple
cartridge;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the staple cartridge of FIG. 20
showing the knife assembly retracted through interlocking plates of
the staple cartridge;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a side view of a loading unit including an
alternative embodiment of a cartridge assembly according to the
present disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a protective sleeve for use
with the cartridge assemblies of the present disclosure; and
[0040] FIG. 28 is perspective view of the protective sleeve of FIG.
27 in use with a cartridge assembly of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Embodiments of the presently disclosed loading unit with a
replaceable staple cartridge will now be described in detail with
reference to the drawings wherein like numerals designate identical
or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As is
common in the art, the term "proximal" refers to that part or
component that is closer to the user or operator, i.e. surgeon or
physician, while the term "distal" refers to that part or component
that is further away from the user. Although the replaceable staple
cartridges of the present disclosure will be described as relates
to a disposable loading unit for use with a surgical stapler, the
presently disclosed replaceable cartridge assembly may be modified
for use with surgical stapling devices that do not include a
disposable loading unit.
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates a surgical stapling device 10 including
an embodiment of a disposable loading unit according to the present
disclosure shown generally as loading unit 100. As shown in FIG. 1,
and as will be discussed hereinbelow, loading unit 100 is
configured for attachment to an actuator assembly 12 to form
surgical stapler 10. Actuator assembly 12 includes a handle
assembly 20 and an elongated body 30 extending from handle assembly
20. As shown, elongated body 30 is configured for use in closed
procedures, i.e., laparoscopic, endoscopic, arthroscopic, however,
elongated body 30 may be shortened or eliminated for use in open
procedures. In the present disclosure, actuator assembly 12 will
only be described to the extent necessary to fully disclose loading
unit 100. For a more detailed description of the structure and
function of a surgical stapler similar to actuator assembly 12,
please refer to commonly owed U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361 to Milliman
et al. ("Milliman '361 patent"), the content of which is
incorporated herein in by reference in its entirety.
[0043] Although the following disclosure will relate to the use of
loading unit 100 with actuator assembly 12, loading units
constructed in accordance with the present disclosure may be
configured for use with actuation assemblies having alternative
configurations. For example, loading units may be configured for
use with an actuator assembly that is electrically or gas powered
and/or includes a pencil grip. It should also be understood that
the aspects of the present disclosure may be modified for use with
loading units having alternative configurations, and as discussed
above, with surgical stapling devices with no loading unit. In
other words, the stapling assembly is mounted directly to the
actuator assembly.
[0044] With reference now to FIGS. 1-5, loading unit 100 includes
an elongated body portion 110, a mounting assembly 120 pivotally
mounted to elongated body portion 110 and a stapling assembly 125
operably engaged with the mounting assembly 120. Mounting assembly
120 includes upper and lower mounting portions 122, 124. Stapling
assembly 125 includes an anvil assembly 130 operably secured to
upper and lower mounting portions 122, 124 and a removable
cartridge assembly 140. The cartridge assembly 140 is pivotally
secured to and releasable from lower mounting portion 124. Stapling
assembly 125 configured to capture, staple and cut tissue.
[0045] With particular reference now to FIG. 3, elongated body
portion 110 of loading unit 100 includes a proximal end 112
configured for operable engagement with a distal end 30b (FIG. 1)
of elongated body 30 of actuator assembly 12. For a detailed
discussion of the attachment of loading unit 100 with actuator
assembly 12, please refer to the 361' Milliman patent.
[0046] With reference still to FIG. 3, mounting assembly 120 is
operably connected to a distal end 114 of elongated body portion
110 of loading unit 100. Mounting assembly 120 includes upper and
lower mounting portions 122, 124. Upper and lower mounting portions
122, 124 are pivotally connected to distal end 114 of elongated
body portion 110 and are configured to permit the articulation of
stapling assembly 125 relative elongated body portion 110. As will
be discussed in further detail below, mounting assembly 120 is
configured to receive a flexible drive assembly 50 (FIG. 19)
therethrough for actuating stapling assembly 125. For a more
detailed discussion of the structure and function of a mounting
assembly similar to mounting assembly 120, please refer to the
Milliman '361 patent.
[0047] Still referring to FIG. 3, lower mounting portion 122 of
mounting assembly 120 includes a pair of pivot pins 126. Pivot pins
126 extend laterally outward from lower mounting portion 122 and
include head portions 126a. As will be discussed in further detail
below, pivot pins 126 are configured for selective engagement by
stapling cartridge 140. Head portions 126a of pivot pins 126 may be
configured for selective engagement by anvil assembly 130.
[0048] With particular reference now to FIG. 2, anvil assembly 130
includes an anvil portion 132 having a plurality of staple
defotrfling concavities (not shown) and a cover plate 144 secured
to a top surface of anvil portion 142 to define a cavity (not
shown) therebetween. Cover plate 134 includes a proximal end 134a
including a pair of side extensions 136. Side extension 136 each
include a distal surface 136b. Anvil assembly 140 is secured to
upper mounting portion 122 by a pivot member 128 and to lower
mounting portion 124 by pivot pins 126. For a more detailed
discussion of an anvil assembly substantially similar to anvil
assembly 140, please refer to the Milliman '361 patent.
[0049] With reference still to FIG. 2, cartridge assembly 140
includes a staple cartridge 142 and a carrier or frame 144. A
proximal end 144a of carrier 144 is configured for selective
engagement with pivot pins 126 extending from lower mounting
portion 122. The cartridge 142, carrier 144, or both have a detent
connection with the stapling assembly; in this embodiment, the
carrier 144 has a detent connect with the mounting assembly. In
other embodiments, other types of detent connections are used.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 4, proximal end 144a of carrier 144
defines a pair of cut-outs 143 each including a recess 145 and a
pivot hole 147 for receiving a resilient spring 146. Pivot holes
147 are each configured to at least partially receive one of pivot
pins 126 extending from lower mounting portion 122. Recesses 145
are each configured to receive a spring 146. Springs 146 each
define a flattened C-shaped member having a flange 146a extending
therefrom. As seen in FIG. 4, springs 146 are configured to be
received within recesses 145 of cut-outs 143 such that flanges 146a
extend proximally and are positioned adjacent pivot holes 147.
Flanges 146a operate to cover pivot holes 147. As will be discussed
in further detail below, springs 146 and proximal end 144a of
carrier 144 are configured such flanges 146a of springs 146 may be
biased away from pivot holes 147, thereby uncovering or opening
pivot holes 147 and providing access thereto.
[0051] The attachment of cartridge assembly 140 to loading unit 100
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 7-9. Referring
initially to FIG. 7, cartridge assembly 140 is positioned adjacent
lower mounting portion 124 such that cut-outs 143 formed in
proximal end 144a of carrier 144 are aligned with pivot pins 126
extending from lower mounting portion 124.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 8, cartridge assembly 140 is then
approximated towards lower mounting portion 124, as indicated by
arrow "A", such that flanges 146a of springs 146 engage pivot pins
126. Continued advancement of cartridge assembly 140 towards lower
mounting portion 124 causes flanges 146a of springs 146 to bias
away from pivot holes 147, as indicated by arrow "B". Once flanges
146a are sufficiently biased away from pivot holes 147, pivot holes
147 are uncovered or open, thereby permitting reception of pivot
pins 126 therein.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 9, the reception of pivot pins 126
within pivot holes 147 releases the force on flanges 146a of spring
146, thereby allowing flanges 146a to return to an unbiased
position, as indicated by arrow "C". In this manner, flanges 146a
of springs 146 capture pivot pins 126 within pivot holes 147,
thereby securing cartridge assembly 140 to loading unit 100. In one
embodiment, an audible sound is made as pivot pins 126 are snapped
into place, thereby providing a user with indication that cartridge
assembly 140 is properly secured to lower mounting support 124 of
loading unit 100.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 10, a tool for separating cartridge
assembly 140 from elongated body portion 110 is shown generally as
removal tool 160. Removal device 160 includes a base portion 162, a
handle portion 164 extending from base portion 162, an arcuate
portion 166 extending opposite handle portion 164 and an engagement
portion 168 extending from arcuate portion 166. Base portion 162
defines an opening 161 configured to receive a distal end 140b of
cartridge assembly 140 therethrough. As will be discussed in
further detail below, opening 161 is configured to receive
cartridge assembly 140. Base portion 162 grips cartridge assembly
140 after reception of cartridge assembly 140 through opening 161
and upon pivoting of cartridge assembly 140 relative to cartridge
or base portion 142. Handle portion 164 is configured for operable
engagement by a user.
[0055] With reference still to FIG. 10, arcuate portion 166 of
removal device 160 defines a curve and includes an outer surface
166a, As will be discussed in further detail below, arcuate portion
166 engages anvil assembly anvil portion 134 of anvil assembly 130
to facilitate separation of cartridge assembly 140 from pivot pins
126 extending from lower mounting member 124 of mounting assembly
120. A distal end 168b of engagement portion 168 of removal tool
160 is configured to be received between side extensions 136 formed
in proximal end 134a of anvil cover 134 of anvil assembly 130 and
to engage staple cartridge 144 of staple assembly 140 when distal
end 140b of cartridge assembly 140 is received through opening 161
formed in base portion 162. As shown, distal end 168b of engagement
portion 168 is rounded; however distal end 168b may include any
configuration suitable for engaging staple cartridge 144. The
transition between arcuate portion 166 and engagement portion 140
forms a pair of shoulders 165. Shoulders 165 are configured to
engage distal surfaces 136a formed on proximal end 134a of cover
plate 134 of anvil assembly 130 after distal end 140b of cartridge
assembly 140 is received through opening 161 in base portion 162 of
removal tool 160.
[0056] The use of removal tool 160 to separate cartridge assembly
140 from mounting assembly 120 of loading unit 100 will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 11-18. Although the separation of
cartridge assembly 140 from loading unit 100 is being described
with reference to removal tool 160, it is envisioned that, in some
embodiments, cartridge assembly 140 may be removed with alternative
tools or without the use of a tool.
[0057] Referring initially to FIG. 11, distal end 140b of cartridge
assembly 140 is received through opening 161 of base portion 162 of
removal tool 160 such that handle portion 164 is adjacent distal
end 140b of cartridge assembly 140. Turning briefly to FIGS. 12 and
13, distal end 140b of cartridge assembly 140 is received through
opening 161 formed in base portion 162 of removal tool 160 until
shoulders 165 formed between arcuate portion 166 and engagement
portion 168 engage distal surfaces 136a of side extensions 136
formed on cover plate 134 of anvil assembly 130. In this position,
and as shown, distal end 168a of engagement portion 168 engages
proximal end 142a of staple cartridge 142 of cartridge assembly 140
while outer surface 166a of arcuate portion 166 engages anvil
portion 132 of anvil assembly 130.
[0058] With reference now to FIGS. 14 and 15, prior to providing
any force to removal tool 160, springs 146 mounted in cut-outs 143
in proximal ends 144 of carrier 144 of cartridge assembly 140
secure carrier 144 to mounting assembly 120 of loading unit 100.
More particularly, and as discussed above, flanges 146a of springs
146 capture pivot pins 126 of mounting assembly 120 within pivot
holes 147 formed in carrier 144.
[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17, applying a force to handle
portion 164 of removal tool 160 in the direction of cartridge
assembly 140, as indicated by arrow "D", causes cartridge assembly
140 to grip base portion 162 of removal tool 160 as cartridge
assembly 140 is pivoted within opening 161. The gripping of
cartridge assembly 140 by base portion 162 causes a fulcrum or
pivot point. Continued force on handle portion 164 also creates a
pushing force through shoulders 165 against distal surface 136a of
side extensions 136 formed on proximal end 134a of cover portion
134 of anvil assembly 130, as indicated by arrow "E". With
sufficient force applied to handle portion 164, removal tool 160
overcomes the spring force provided by springs 146 thereby causing
pivot pins 126 to escape from within pivot holes 147, as indicated
by arrow "F".
[0060] With reference now to FIG. 18, separation of cartridge
assembly 140 from mounting assembly 120, as indicated by arrow "G",
is achieved when pivot pins 126 are completely free of pivot holes
147. An audible sound is made as flanges 146a of springs 146 snap
back into place after cartridge assembly 140 is separated from
loading unit 100. In this manner, a user receives audible
confirmation that cartridge assembly 140 has been fully disengaged
from loading unit 100. Cartridge assembly 140 may then be removed
from within opening 161 of base portion 162 of removal tool 160.
Removal tool 160 may be disposed of or reused as desired.
[0061] With reference now to FIGS. 19 and 20, loading unit 100
(FIG. 2) includes a flexible drive member 50 configured to actuate
staple formation in stapling assembly 125. Flexible drive member 50
includes a knife assembly 52 mounted on a distal end 50b thereof.
Knife assembly 52 includes a base portion 54 and upper and lower
flange members 56a, 56b. Base portion 54 may include a knife or
blade 54a for cutting tissue. Upper flange member 56a is configured
to be received within the space (not shown) formed between anvil
portion 132 and cover portion 134 of anvil assembly 130 (FIG. 2).
Lower flange member 56b is configured to be received within a space
(not shown) between staple cartridge 142 and carrier 144 of
cartridge assembly 140.
[0062] With continued reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, staple
cartridge 142 of cartridge assembly 140 defines a longitudinal slot
145 configured for receipt of base portion 54 of flexible drive
member 50. Mounted on proximal end 142a of staple cartridge 142 is
a pair of interlocking plates or members 150. Interlocking plates
150 include a first L-shaped surface 152, interlocking portions 154
and pivot portions 156. Interlocking plates 150 are mounted on
either side of staple cartridge 142 on a bottom surface thereof.
Interlocking plates 150 are biased inwardly by pivot portions 156
towards longitudinal slot 145, as indicated by arrows "H". When
loading unit 100 is in a first, unfired condition, a sled 158 for
driving staple pushers (not shown) maintains interlocking plates
150 separate from each other.
[0063] The operation of interlocking plates 150 will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 21-25. Referring initially to
FIG. 21, in the first or unfired condition, knife assembly 52 of
flexible drive member 50 is positioned proximal of proximal end
142a of staple cartridge 142 of cartridge assembly 140.
[0064] With reference now to FIG. 22, advancement of flexible drive
member 50, in the direction indicated by arrow "I" (the distal
direction), causes knife assembly 52 to be received within
longitudinal slot 145 of staple cartridge 142 and to engage sled
158. Turning now to FIG. 23, continued advancement of flexible
drive member 50, as indicated by arrow "J", causes advancement of
sled 158. Movement of sled 158 from between interlocking plates 150
causes interlocking plates 150 to bias towards one another, as
indicated by arrows "K". The presence of flexible drive member 50
between interlocking plates 150 prevents interlocking plates 150
from overlapping.
[0065] Turning now to FIG. 24, upon completion of the firing
stroke, flexible drive assembly 50 is retracted through
longitudinal slot 145 of staple cartridge 142, as indicated by
arrow "L". As flexible drive assembly 50 is retracted, base 54
(FIG. 19) of knife assembly 52 passes between interlocking portions
156 of interlocking plates 150. A chamfered proximal edge (not
shown) of base 54 of knife assembly 52 deflects interlocking plates
150 away from one another to permit the passage of knife assembly
52 theretbetween.
[0066] With reference now to FIG. 25, once knife assembly 52 of
flexible drive assembly 50 has completely passed through
interlocking plates 150, interlocking plates 150 are biased towards
one another, as indicated by arrows "M". Interlocking portions 156
of interlocking plates 150 are configured to prevent refiring of
surgical stapling device 10 (FIG. 1). More particularly, proximal
ends 156a of interlocking portions 156 overlap to prevent knife
assembly 52 of flexible drive assembly 50 from readvancing through
longitudinal slot 145 of staple cartridge 142.
[0067] Once flexible drive assembly 50 is completely retracted from
within longitudinal slot 145 and disengaged from staple cartridge
142, cartridge assembly 140 may be separated from mounting assembly
120 of loading unit 100 in the manner discussed above. A second
cartridge assembly may then be secured to mounting portion 120 of
loading unit 100 as discussed above.
[0068] With reference now to FIG. 26, mounting assembly 120 and
anvil assembly 130 are configured such that a cartridge assembly of
the same diameter and the same or shorter lengths may be operably
secured to loading unit 100. For example, in one embodiment, a
loading unit including an anvil assembly having a 12 mm diameter
and a 60 mm length may receive a reloadable cartridge assembly
having a diameter of 12 mm and a length of 60 mm or less. In this
manner, and as shown in FIG. 26, a cartridge assembly 240 having a
length shorter than cartridge assembly 140 may be secured to
mounting assembly 120 of loading unit 100. In one embodiment, anvil
assembly 130 measures 60 mm in length and cartridge assembly 240
measures 45 mm in length.
[0069] Loading unit 100 may be provided with one or more cartridge
assemblies. The cartridge assemblies may be of same or differing
sizes. In one embodiment, loading unit 100 is provided to a surgeon
preassembled, i.e., with a replaceable cartridge assembly secured
thereto. Alternatively, one or more cartridge assemblies are
provided separate of loading unit 100. Since the anvil assembly
must be at least as long as the cartridge assembly for the loading
unit to function properly, an anvil assembly provided with the
loading unit should include a length at least equal to the longest
cartridge assembly provided for use with the loading unit.
[0070] With reference now to FIGS. 27 and 28, cartridge assembly
140 may be provided with a protective sleeve 170. Protective sleeve
170 is configured to receive a distal end 140b of cartridge
assembly 140 and extend along the length of staple cartridge 142.
Protective sleeve 170 may protect cartridge assembly 140 from
damage during shipment and/or installation. Protective sleeve 170
may additionally assist in retaining staples (not shown) within
staple cartridge 142.
[0071] It will be understood that various modifications may be made
to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the staple
cartridge may include alternative configurations, including a
dissecting tip extending from a distal end thereof. Therefore, the
above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely
as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the
art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit
of the claims appended hereto.
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